Cold Chain Network (M) Sdn Bhd recently took delivery of 16 units of 8.5 ton trucks (model HINO XZU720R) and 5 units of 18 ton trucks (model GH1JRPA) at a private function held at Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd (HMSM).

HINO was chosen after the vigorous evaluation process among the other Japanese brands. The trucks meet the requirement and HINO brand has been reputable for truck manufacturer for a number of years. It has been a trusted brand by some organizations in Malaysia.

The vehicles were purchased from Power Truck and Parts Sdn. Bhd, one of the reputable authorized HINO dealers in Klang Valley area. CCN is convinced by HINO’s commitment particularly with the continuous support rendered by the HINO’s principal to the dealers as compared to other brands. HINO provide CCN with comprehensive maintenance repair contract for 5 years.

When asked what business the company is in, Managing Director of Cold Chain Network (M) Sdn Bhd (CCN) Ariffin Buranudeen tells us that they are in fact “selling temperature”. He explains that CCN’s service covers four different levels of cold chain transportation. Air conditioned (e.g. Pharmacy products), chilled (yoghurt etc), frozen (fish, meats) and lastly deep frozen (ice-cream). Their headquarters in Puchong, Selangor serves as the main hub with a warehouse that caters for 20,000 pallets spaces to receive and store chilled, frozen and deep frozen goods. From here, over 60 customers are being supported with cool trucks.

Currently CCN has a fleet of 68 units of prime movers. Last year the company decided to add more trucks to their fleet. These trucks were to replace older trucks as well as to add capacity to the growing needs of customers
CCN’s HINO trucks are innovative too. These trucks are featuring the possibility of transporting goods in two different temperature zones. Buranudeen says “This is to maximise every trip, to ensure a high load factor as sometimes we have smaller consignments that would not be enough for a full load.” An innovation team is looking into many different aspects of how improvements can be made. Currently, the team is working on ways to rapidly cool down the containers after loading and unloading. Instead of a blower, safe gases may be the answer to the quest for temperature integrity. “Quality is a long term value proposition. Yes, price is a consideration, but eventually, if you can’t deliver what the clients need, your cost is becomes irrelevant” he said.

Mr. Iwamoto, Managing Director of HMSM, said, “One of HINO’s principles is to develop the products attaching importance to QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability) parallel to the concept of HINO Total Support.” He added that, “Considering growing HINO business, we had established of HINO Total Support Customer Center next to our assembly plant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. This facility provides two drivers trainings, ‘Safe Eco-cien Driver Training’ and ‘Driver Familiarization Training’, equipping HINO owners with the vehicle knowledge, safety and eco-driving skill technique as one of the support activity for sustainable growth of our customer’s business”. HINO is committed to provide CCN with comprehensive training to CCN staffs and drivers. The wide service network impressed CCN and together, the two companies even created a new scheme for driver training. Instead of a one-off familiarization, there will be ongoing refresher training scheduled for drivers who will even receive competency certificates for this.